Saturday, December 22, 2012

Its a friday night in new york city, and I should be getting ready to celebrate the fact that I just graduated from Nursing school. Instead I’m home with my puppy, smoking a xxxxx . Wondering my next steps in life, AND sorting through my make up…I sure know how to party!
With that said, I have 'New Years Eve' on the brain….It’s that time of the year, where you really pull out all the stops to simply look good entering the new year. Can’t wait, really I can’t wait!!
I have my outfit, it’s cute and comfortable. I’m wearing flats! I’m not planning to be that girl, that can’t walk after an hour of standing in 4in heals. I was thinking Wedges, but I already picture myself falling, because I’m a huge klutz. SO, I chose flats: FOOL-PROOF! A flowy top, with a pair of jeans…haven’t decided about my purse, I really don’t care about purses. They can be an inconvenience, they become heavy after a while of just holding it. I go very small when I go out, I never really retouch my make up, so I don’t bring any. Just blot papers, a lip gloss with my ID, 2 band aids(just incase I get blisters on my toes from all the dancing)..I do know that I want to feel great and I want my makeup to be flawless. That’s why, I’m sorting through my makeup. I have an idea of how I want the eyelook to be, I’m bit lost about the lips? I did Mac’s Girl About Town, last New Years. So here is what I have in mind; Ruby Woo, So Chaud, Rebel, Prince Noir, OR (keeping it really simple) Dior nude lip blush in Trompe L’Oeil 123-which I have fallen deeply in love with…..I’m baffled! I can’t believe this is my biggest dilemma…And EYELASHES! I haven’t worn eyelashes in a very very long time, I was such a fan of eyelashes a few years ago and since I started school I haven’t had lashes on. So, I want to go BIG. I’m thinking Kardashian style! I’m just stuck between Mac’s #7 lashes and Ardells Double Up #206, the Ardells seem to be more of a favorite because it’s more' fluttery’, but I've had the #7’s for a while and I just want to get rid of them ….decisions, decisions…
SO...I’m just here, just sorting through my makeup and all of a sudden I was wondering what the rest of the world was doing on a friday night, that is suppose to be the last day on earth??

Friday, August 17, 2012

It's been a while since I've visited my local nail salon. I just don't think its necessary to pay someone to do my nails, and a horrible and painful nail job at that. Yes, it can be painful for me for a bunch of reasons that I honestly don't feel like getting into…
Well, I'm a "research" girl and I have found a couple of items that make my personal mani-pedi experience way cheaper, painless, and to my liking.

First item is Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover. This is really amazing stuff! It softens the cuticle and sort of deteriorates it at the same time within minutes. Making it real easy to basically remove them. You can also soak your nails in warm water, if you want to skip buying the Sally Hansen.

Second, 2 nail items that I must have, a good base and a good top coat! I've been stuck on Nail Envy by OPI as a base and Seche Vite as a Top coat.

Third, with the Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle remover I use a Cuticle remover/Pusher. It's 2 tools in one to help you push back the nail skin, as well as cut the cuticle off. I purchased this in a local Rite Aid, from the stores brand Renewal. I believe Sally Hanson also has one too.

Fourth, best infomerical I've ever seen was for the PEDI-EGG! Love it! Have had it for over 2 years, I've replace the razor and the buffing pad only once, and I was able to find them at BED, Bath and BEyond.

Again I use the Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover over the rough spots on my foot or calluses for about 2-3 minutes. This stuff is great for really softening up the problems areas, and making it really easy for the Pedi-Egg grater side(it honestly looks like a cheese grater) to just scrape it right off and the buffing pads to simply smooth it out...

Fifth, 3 final items. A nail filer, clipper and a cuticle corners. All for the obvious reasons; trimming, cutting hard to reach corners and smoothing away any rough edges.And there you have it, a salon at home.

As for lotions, my favorite is O'Keeffe's for Healthy Feet. I got this at Bed and Bath, but I believe you can get it online. It's pretty pricey for the amount you get, but a little goes along away. This stuff does miracles for really rough feet. Unfortunately, I don't have the most girliest feet, but this really helps!!! It's not a cream, it is more of a wax. What I like to do, is smother my feet at night and slip on some socks before going to bed!

Please let me know if you have try any of the items mentioned, and what are your thoughts….

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

This post is a quick dedication to Sunny….since he's getting bigger everyday, I wanted to do something about his eating posture. So the hubby and I wanted to get an elevated, adjustable feeder. I had a huge problem finding the right one for him, either the bowels were too big or they weren't adjustable…so we made one!

As you can see, it's tilted so the water and food can slide down rather than sticking to the top of the bowel.

The cute thing about the whole thing, is that he LOVES it!! He prepares himself before eating, by doing this cute little shake with his body….

Friday, August 10, 2012

I've been really LOVING skincare and I'm now in-search of the Ulimate Skincare product. Something that takes cares of pores, removes any dullness and/or scars, brightens, smooths and that doesn't leave me looking like a grease ball….
So, the other day I was visiting my mom and she wanted me to pluck her eyebrows and as I was plucking away, I noticed that her skin was really soft and really glowy. I had to ask, and she told me "OLAY Total Effects 7 in ONE".
Olay has been around for years, and there's a reason for it. My grandma was a big fan of Olay, and I still remember how her skin smelled after she applied the moisturizer…so why wouldn't I give it a chance…So, the next day I found myself in Rite Aid in search mode.
I have to say, I noticed a difference in one use.
This product claims it's a "moisturizer with vitamins + antioxidants helps fights 7 signs of aging for visibly younger looking skin". Has Vitamin B3, C, Pro V B5, and Vitamin E. Reduces fine lines, helps even out tone, reduce age spots, smoothes out skin texture, provides moisture, gives skin a healthy-looking radiance, and minimizes pores.
Basically it's meant to replace all of skincare products, because it does it all.
I have to say, I am impress already.
I have used this at night over my ESTEE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair and my La Roche-Posay Effaclar K. I know it has been only one night, but I do see a difference already and I'm loving how my face is feeling.
I will definitely give a second review on this bad boy within another couple of months…

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

I have had unbelievably the best of luck in swapping this past week, and I really have to thank the girls for giving me the opportunity to swap with them!! These are just items that I have really wanted for a while and just couldn't afford.
I understand, some people might feel weird about using someone else's used makeup, but it's cheaper than buying the product and chucking it to the side and forgetting about it. Besides, you have to set rules for yourself. I personally don't swap for mascara, that's where I draw the line, I always ask for pictures and a full description(amount, amount left)of the items before I finalize the swap.
The best thing about swapping, is that you get rid of all that extra makeup that's laying around(that has been forgotten or just too many back ups) and you exchange it for something you should have bought rather than impulsive buys.
....This is just a really quick run through of the stuff that I've received….

Chanel's Vitalumière Aqua BA30 - I'm such afoundation junkie. *Don't Judge*….I have about 10 bottles of foundation in rotation as of right now!! I have had my eye on this foundation FOREVER, but I just didn't want to dish out the money. Finally, the opportunity was given to me to swap and I couldn't resist! Mind you, I wasn't sure this was my shade and to my surprise it was the right shade!! I will definitely do an update on this bad boy…but as of now, I'm just loving it on my skin and the smell, it's so so sweet!!*inlove*

Sigma's F80 and F82 - Two brushes that have been praised all throughout Youtube. Well, one more than the other…F80 has been described as the "ultimate foundation brush" and I was lucky to get my hands on it!! Used it with 3 different foundations and it does live up to the hype!! The F82 is an angle F80 version. I wanted this brush for my Chanel cream bronzer and cream blushes and I'm loving it!!

MAC's 187 and 182 brush - MAC brushes have a huge reputation for being the best of the best, when it comes to brushes and I believe that! I do have a few of their brushes and they have stand the test of time…they only sad thing about them is that they cost a pretty penny. The 182 has been on my wish list, as well as the 187 for a while….and finally I was able to get them! As crazy as it may sound, I'm just really happy to just have them as part of my collection!!

Friday, August 3, 2012

I have to say, I have always lived by "You get, what you pay for…". But sometimes, I can't have all the high-end make-up….though the packaging and the sensual smell, that tickles my nose hairs, of high-end makes it hard to not empty out my bank account….
Though I'm writing this, I have not really bought a lot of crazy amounts of make up, just products that I was running out of, or a lipstick that was rare, not in my collection, and a definite must have.
Just recently, to my surprise I ran across a new foundation which than led me to write this post….BTW, you know how some girls have a concealer, nail polish obsession..well I am a huge Foundation JUNKIE!!
Mind you, the last drug store foundation I used was also my first and it was the Maybelline DREAM Matte Mousse foundation. Wasn't really a winner, than again I wasn't really familiar with the whole prepping thing before applying the foundation routine.
Well, after that I tried a few more other drug-store foundations and they were just simply horrible…especially Revlon Colorstay for Oil/Combination formula. The Smell was a negative, the shade range was another negative and finally it just was too cakey for me.
I swore off drug-store foundations, until REVLON COLORSTAY WHIPPED came out.
After watching my favorite Youtube guru's claiming this to be the best, and reading all the great reviews….I had to give it a try and... I am shocked by how great this foundation is!!!
I picked up shade 240 Natural Beige, as a reference I am a NC 30 in MAC. The foundation once applied may be a little light, but it sinks and blends effortlessly into the skin and it does last all day. This is a keeper, and I'm glad I found a foundation that I can buy without a guilt trip.
With that said, I really want to mention 4 more items that I love and that are HG for me:
*Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 004 Black Brown
Such a favorite of mine, just adds a nice natural thickness with out looking DRAWN in.
*CoverGirl Natural Lash Mascara Gel
I've been using this for years and I haven't strayed away from it. It does the job keeping my brows in check!
*L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara….really like this. It gives me length that I can't find anywhere else, just wish they had the waterproof version in the U.S.!!
*Maybelline DREAM Matte powder is hands down the best setting powder for Oily skin!!
Worst case scenario, you can always return them as long as you have a receipt...

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Well, this is my first time really doing this, and I kinda want to make this a ritual for me. I happen to LOVE reading and watching my favorite Youtubers talking about their favorites and I always get really inspired. So, hopefully I'll inspire someone…
I really loved hair care and skin care this month. Just really trying new things and enjoying the results.

Nexus Pro-Mend Split End Binder.It's a leave-in treatment that I apply right after I get out of the shower. I have been using it together with Organix Moroccan Argan Oil-Penetrating Oil for Dry Course hair.
I love the combo, I've noticed that my hair has progressively gotten softer and my curls last through humid weather!! Another thing that I love about both products, they both protect hair from heat styling and UV rays, and if I need an extra hold I use Living Proof Styling Cream-Wave Shaping, Curl Defining for Medium to thick hair. A product that I have been using for about two years and is such a staple!

As for Skincare; I've been loving the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair!! I can see this being a holy grail item, something that's always going to be in my stash!! LOVE THIS STUFF!! I also been lovingMario Badescu Silver Powder, this always does the job when no other acne product can do its job. I use this every other day when I have break outs!!

As for beauty, I have been falling back in love with Coco Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy #54. I got it in the winter and wore it once and I don't know why, because it's just perfect! I just love it, it's the perfect sheer and it just hydrates!! What more can you ask for??

Friday, July 27, 2012

For all the OILY skin girls, who have the worst time keeping your make up from sliding off your face…..If you haven't heard Milk of MAG is the secret.
I really want to meet the person that came up with this idea and give them a hug!!
Believe me I have tried every primer out in SEPHORA, MACYS, BLOOMINGDALE, NORDSTROM, MAC…and nothing works.
I mean, for a few months I was really stand-offish about the idea of applying Milk of MAG to my face…..but I took that chance out of boredom..and it has just made me feel like a normal person for once!!!
I can wear any make up, and it will last all day without any shine…well,some shine does break through, I'm not going to lie, but it's a DEWY shine. Just a really nice added 'glisten' to my make up. Other than some shine breaking through, my make up lasts all day! No SLIPPAGE or SLIDING!! Thats really the best part, because my oily skin can be extreme…
FYI; Just to save myself from embarrassment, I have managed to simply just poor my Milk of MAG in a small spray bottle…which is something that I recommend you do. It controls the amount of MAG that you use, because you really don't want to apply too much and you'll know when you've applied too much. That's when you notice the white residue on your face, once it has dried.
I spray 3 times into a brush or cotton ball, and apply it all over my face/or oily areas, then I apply a small amount of primer over my T-zone; which happens to be Smashbox Photo Finish Light.
I apply my make up and face the world with MAG right by my side(..well, on my face to be exact).
Really recommend this, from one OILY face to another….

Friday, July 20, 2012

It has been a crazy past couple of months and they continue to get crazier, but no matter how hectic it has been I always found a way to treat myself to a few beauty splurges.
One item, particular has been on my shopping list for a while, Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair. I really thought long and hard and did my research on this before I bought it. Once I finally did buy it, I asked myself "WHY THE HELL DID I WAIT SO LONG?".
I bought this, because my skin has been in somewhat of a rut, due to school, hormones and really bad eating habits. I just had these bumps and acne scars, and within a week I noticed a huge difference. My skin looks smoother, bumps are gone, and scars are fading.
How I use it; is I clean my face with Cetaphil and my Clarisonic, then I use my Dickson Witch Hazel Toner, and I finish it off with three drops of ES Advanced Night Repair. I really do LOVE this stuff. It has now been a month since I started using it and I see myself repurchasing the bigger bottle next time.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Hey world... as the summer begins to creep up in New York, the more it gets simply busy.

Friends want to go out, family wants to come over, planning a vacation and trying to study for school.

I have to admit, I have been making time for swapping…..I'm a bit addicted. I feel like I'm at an auction, and I'm trying to throw the best offer to get that item that I really want. So far so good….I've been able to get products that I have had my eye on.

The best thing about swapping is the fact that you get to try products that you fear buying because they may be too expensive and/or not worth the money.

So here's a collective swap, just some products that I've been able to get my hands on these couple of months…

I'm simply going to break it down to HITS and MISSES, if not this post is really going to drag….

Friday, March 9, 2012

I have been searching for a while for the perfect setting powder…and I have tried a lot of powders.
The ones in the picture above are the ones previously in my collection and out of all them, the one that really works for my oily skin is the Maybelline Dream Matte Powder, which was an accident buy, but ended up being such a great product. Great oil control, lasting power…just a great product for a such a great price!
The Laura Mercier Setting powder does work, but it washes me out in photos.
I love the MAC MSF Natural, I love the idea of it. It's mineralize, good for your skin, lets your skin breathe….Just something quick to throw on when I'm just doing laundry or doing some food shopping.Benefits Get Even Powder is actually one my first makeup products I ever purchased, and I've been loyal. I have backups of it. It really blots away any discoloration on your skin and basically helps with any oiliness. Not a great setting powder. Lasting power is very minimal and I usually apply this after blotting my face with blotting papers with a powder brush.
Then there's my MAC Blotting Powder, which I have purchased recently and it works. I actually love it, but it changes color. I guess it "oxidized" with my oils and the foundation…really weird. I actually did my research for this product, and many claimed that the powder was light (in shade), it was very sheer. One person claimed she was fair and the Medium dark worked for her……really sad about it….
My Goal Purchase is to buy Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder, which is getting a lot of love, but I'm actually trying to finish whatever I have open first before splurging on another item….or maybe not…..I can't help it!!! We'll see…..
Any suggestions?

Monday, March 5, 2012

My biggest obsession, besides makeup, is art and drama and the meaning behind it.
This post is not about Van Gogh or Claude Monet…it's about the best TV show in the world; The Walking Dead! Silly, I know…and how dare I compare a TV show to two great artist?
Well, it's a show that has that affect on me.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

New York is already gearing up for the spring. All major store windows have made the transition, already….I think the weird part is that we haven't had a major snow storm, which is kind of scary…...maybe I'm speaking too soon….

Anyhoooo…..Been really busy with school, shopping and swapping. I never thought that swapping would become such an addiction. It's somewhat of a sport, with plenty of risks because you never know if the person you are swapping with is really going to send you your end of the deal a.k.a."SWAP LIFT". Another risk is that you might get the item, but not in the condition that it's described as being in…Other than that, it's fun and I have really met some nice girls and have made successful swaps…
So here are a few things that I received in a swap:

*Makeup Forever HD Creme Blush #7 One To Many (Toned down peach)

The item was originally listed as #14 Star Struck (pale peach), but I guess the swapper didn't realize that, but I'm not upset because I actually love how this applies and looks.

*Skin 79 Super BB Cream VIP Gold Collection

I have been wanting to try a BB cream for a while, but I have heard so many breakout stories. I did some research and Skin79 is actually a pretty popular brand…I'll definitely do an update on this…

*Nars Mata Hari

I Love Blush and I LOVE that Nars makes the best blushes. I've been wanting this one for a while..just a really nice toned down, rose-pink color

*MAC In Synch lipliner

This is my first MAC lipliner(I usually buy NYX)…I normally wouldn't swap for lip products, but it's new and I made sure as soon as I got it I wiped it down with alcohol and sharpened it. I'm definitely loving the color, a very pale neon pink…

That's really it…If you want to swap, you can also find me on the Makeup Alley site as Lolanozz << you can definitely hit the link and it will take you to my list on MUA…..

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

It's been a week or so and so many things have happened….and I have to mention this. I am truly going to miss Whitney Houston. It's so sad. She was definitely an amazing talented singer, who's every single song has a personal memory attach to it.

1963-2012My first music record ever, was "Greatest Love of All" a vinyl single, that was given to me by my elementary teacher. It was such an anthem for me, and I still can't help it when I hear it. I just start lip-syncing, as if I was her in the video!! She will be missed….

Monday, February 6, 2012

HI!! Just wanted todo this quick post. I ended up getting a few things this weekend via mail and a couple of things at the drugstore. I thought I'd share……..

I am definitely going to start off with my favorite thing right now. Which is my iphone "HELLO KITTY" Case. I loved my Speck case, but it had just gotten too filthy and it was time for a new one.
SO, I did a lot of web browsing and found this on Amazon!!

came in this box

back of the phone

front of the phone

Next, I got KEIHL'S OLIVE FRUIT DEEPLY REPAIRATIVE HAIR PAK. My hair is very dry, voluminous, wavey/curly and I've been looking for something that can allow me to wear my hair curly without piling on gel and mousse. I think this it…..
I have noticed a big difference. My hair is softer and moisturized.

Friday, January 27, 2012

I'm really kicking myself in the rear for this one. I am a very neutral person, when it comes to make up and this collection had some really beautiful, natural colors. Unfortunately, I got to MAC at last minute and almost everything was sold out from this line.
I was able to pick up two items, that I wanted and usually when big collections like this come out I set a limit and rules.
1) I make sure that I do not have the same color, in any other brand.
2) I weigh out the odds of me really using the item on a regular basis.
3) I check out other peoples reviews and swatches.
4) I make sure that company has a great return policy, just incase…

Any who….so back to my two items that I bought. The first item was Mineral Skin Finish Blush in Fresh Honey. I've been really wanting a nice peach blush and I was contemplating in getting Nars Gilda or Gina, which are both two beautiful colors…but I don't want to buy a bunch of peach-orange blushes which I might not really use…so, I was happy that this was available and picked it up. I would describe it to be a warm-peachy color. If you just tap your brush onto the dome, that's enough product…for me at least, because I feel like it leans more towards orang-ie if you use too much and can make you look swollen (if that makes any sense)….I lightly apply it and blend it together with a matte bronzer like Benefits Hoola or MAC's Harmony.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

I happened to be at CVS today because I needed to buy toilet paper and I really wanted to try the Revlon lip butters (which I can't find any where)…and without really looking to buy new nail polish... there they were, the Kardashian Kolor for Nicole by OPI. I couldn't help it…I have to say when it comes to style these girls know how to really put outfits together and wear it well!

So, it was a given that this line of nail polish would catch my eye.

There were a lot of colors to choose from, but I really only bought two…

left to right: Paparazzi don't preach and My Empire…my Rules

1) Paparazzi Don't Preach

Which is my favorite...

I guess you can describe the color as a really pale peachy, pink.

Just a nice neutral color to wear.

and

2) My Empire….My Rules

I've been actually looking for this color for a while. I love grey. I think it's a neutral color for me, but it also depends on the shade of grey. This is more like a dark grey...

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Skincare is very important for me. It's something I do, no matter what (even after a night at the club).

Skincare starts from the inside...
I make sure that I take my vitamins and a biotin supplement. Both claim to be for beauty and skincare. I do want to take that natural, organic route, but as of right now I am starting with this because it's economical for me.
Then there's my Lean Shake from GNC. I love this stuff and I only buy the Vanilla flavor, because it just goes well when I make smoothies with it.

I've been drinking Lean Shake for the past year and it's a great alternative for when you're in a rush in the morning. It's kinda like Slim fast, but not really.
The label states that it's a "Healthy meal replacement". Loaded with vitamins and minerals. Made with Oats, Milk and Soy. I do use this a part of my diet regimen. I make sure that I have this in the morning, mixed in with a smoothie, which consist of any frozen fruit and 8oz of Light Vanilla flavored Soy or Coconut milk, instead of water. What I love to do is take those really ripened bananas and freeze them, banana is my definite favorite fruit in the world and it really compliments any smoothie.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

I know this entry is so overdo…My last entry was in August (I think) and it's been really busy for me. But I really want to keep this blog going and I still want to continue writing, expressing and sharing my thoughts.
So, it's 2012 and a lot of people are choosing this opportunity to better themselves in any way that they can. I've decided to hit the gym, not to just loose weight but to tone and feel better, and I am going to push myself out that door no matter what!!!
I'm one of the laziest people in the world and I like to focus on one thing at a time and I need to change that!! The gym, school and life is possible. I say this because I feel like I've become very anti-social and depressed this past year, and I haven't made any effort to get myself out of that slump. So, I guess I am back or trying to go back on that ball. Life is really a 'once in a lifetime' chance, and only you can make it the best experience or the worst…
To 2012, may this year fill everyone with STRENGTH, LOVE, HAPPINESS, POSITIVE THINKING and GOOD HEALTH!!